Choosing a major has as much to do with your skills as it does with who you are as a person. What attracts people to the majors they settle on? While there are many different people who are drawn to international relations, there are several attributes that many of those who choose to major in it share with one another.
You’re fascinated by other cultures.
Much of international relations has to do with learning about other countries - what they like, why they do the things they do, and what common ground they share with our own culture. In order to be successful, you need to enjoy learning about this. Perhaps you have books about what Swedish people do for recreation or you fantasize about traveling to Yemen. Either way, you’re interested in studying how others live.
You’re a mediator within your friend group.
One of a diplomat’s chief duties is relieving tension between people. Some of the problems facing international relations stem from quarrels that are centuries old. It’s going to be your job to ease some of this hostility. In order to do so, you’re going to need to have great social skills and be fluent in the art of persuasion. If you’re not sure whether or not this sounds like you, don’t worry. Much of your coursework will prepare you for the task at hand.
You have a working knowledge of more than one language.
This is a useful skill in any line of work, but it’s especially desirable in international relations. Your work will take you all over the world, and while translators are often available, you make a much better impression if you’re able to communicate for yourself. Attempting to speak in someone’s native tongue starts you off on the right foot with them and can lead to a more successful interaction.
You're a problem solver.
Within this major and career, complex issues are going to present themselves. You must possess the skills necessary to defuse them in a professional manner. This is an ability that comes naturally for some people; others have to work at it. Either way, as long as you can come to a logical and effective conclusion, there’s a place for you in international relations.
You have an attention to detail.
You must keep in mind that you are going to be working with people who come from backgrounds that are significantly different than yours. You must be careful that you don’t offend them by being ignorant to their culture. In order to thrive in this environment, you have to be sure to notice the little things. Also, you’ll be working with many people at the top of their respective fields, so they’ll expect the work you do for them to be pretty much completely free of errors.
